Tales of the Falcon and the Adder

[Esplandia]

Tomas watched from his plot of tomatoes as the vehicle made its way up the rutted road that lead to his land. It was an old Esplandian army water truck which had been left over from the war thirty something years ago. There were many of them left in Tajis, bought up cheap by farmers, and kept running on cheap made parts. This one still sported the Esplandian flag.

Tomas made his way over to his house, waiting in the shade of his porch as the truck pulled up into the yard, scattering goats and chickens. Tomas could hear water sloshing around in the metal tank. A fat, bearded man climbed from the truck.

“Good day, Tomas,” he called. “You haven’t called for your water shipment in a while. I thought I’d come up and see if you were okay.”

“I’m fine,” he answered. The fat man was dressed in a loose button-up shirt, the kind with ocean scenes tackily printed on them, and a pair of khaki shorts. On his head he wore an old military cap with the red and gold hammer and star of the old Tajin Communist Party. Tomas found that communists made the worst capitalists, the kind that would steal from you while haranguing you for infringing on their human rights. The man before him, Zedic Amlud, was no exception. He was a greedy man who controlled all the water sources in the province and bled everyone dry. It was known he had fought against the revolution.

“How about your water situation?” Zedic asked. “Surely you must be running dry.” The fat man looked over his tomatoes, and Tomas saw him lick his lips when he noticed how they were beginning to ripen.

“I’m fine,” Tomas repeated.

The fat man obviously didn’t buy it. “Those fruits take a lot of water. Surely you’ll need some soon. Look, I’ll give you a discount today if you throw in some of those tomatoes. They do look delicious. Does five hundred Seskrits sound appealing?”

“I don’t need your water,” Tomas said, angrily.

“Did you find some new source of water, Tomas?” Zedic laughed. “Where would you get water in these hills?”

“You’re trespassing. Leave or I’ll call the marshal.”

Zedic’s face darkened at Tomas’s words. “Speak to me like that again and you’ll never see another drop of water, I swear to Aela.”

“I already told you, I don’t need your water! Leave!”

Zedic spat on the ground and climbed back in his truck. He kicked up dirt and gravel as he roared out of the yard and headed back down the hill. Tomas watched him go until the truck was well down the valley. Finnally he left the porch and crossed the yard, heading to his father’s old toolshed.

In his childhood Tomas had watched his father work old scraps of wood and metal into works of art which would be sold at market in Zantis so they could afford water. Tomas had not the talent for craft as his father did, but he mad ends meet by selling his tomatoes. He had acquired his first plants when he had travelled to Genova ten years ago. For a while his tomatoes and what was left of his father’s savings had been enough to pay Zedic’s water prices, but there would come a day when that would fail.

Tomas entered the tool shed. All the tools had been placed neatly against the far wall, most packed in wooden crates. The floor remained bare, except for a solid iron hatch bolted into the foundation. Tomas lifted the hatch up and the cool, sweet scent of water rose up out of the hole that was revealed. For five years Tomas had slowly dug a well, looking for water that his father had known was there. He used the dirt to build up his garden, and he had traded tomatoes for bricks to brick the walls. A month ago he had finally hit water three hundred feet or so down. He had wept and drank the cool refreshing water. Never again would he pay for water.

Smiling to himself, he lowered the hatch, covering up the well. Maybe he would have enough money to eventually buy a pump. His future was looking up.

 

[Esplandia]

OOC: This is exactly what the description says. Small stories and snippets of everday people living in Tajis and Esplandia. This will help me relieve my story itch while I wait on my ongoing RP's, or for any new RP to start. Enjoy.

 

[Esplandia]

Of Sigerith and the Whispering Sea
From the Sjallega, the fourth Edjadda.

The fleet of Sigerith sailed south and east, leaving the doomed lands of the Vestrugat behind. For many days the longboats made good headway with the wind in their favor. The boats were crowded with men, women, children, livestock, and supplies, but none complained and all were hopeful they would make landing soon enough. And for awhile their luck held.

Then after awhile the wind died down and soon they were floating on a sea as smooth as glass. Sigerith ordered his men to row and their progress continued. Days passed and still no wind came. They rowed most of the day, and rested at night. The boats stayed together in groups under Sigerith's commanders, lashed together at night so they would not drift too far apart should a wind arise while they slept.

The days were weary, with only a flat sea to every horizon, and continuous rowing. But the night proved to be the worse, for it seemed that a multitude of voices could be heard in a whispering. Many at first laughed it of saying it was only the night breeze making noise as it passed over the water, but it was hollow reasoning for their was no breeze. The air was stifling, oppressive, and did not stir.

None could say what the whispers were saying, but few, if any, could sleep, and only for short periods. Sigerith's people become haggard as the days wore on. They made offerings to Aela in hopes of gaining his favor but no wind stirred.

Sigerith was uneasy. He feared they had drifted into a fey sea, and the whispers wished them harm. This became more apparent as some of his people started to disappear at night. Panic spread through the fleet. Some claimed foul spirits were snatching away those who dared to fall asleep. Sigerith had a deepening fear that something worse was transpiring. His fears were proved when a warrior was caught silently lowering himself over the side of a longboat one night. He was dragged back aboard, were he became panicked and tried to fight off his rescuers. They tied him down, and watched over him. When morning came he seemed to awaken from a sleep, disoriented and wondering why he had been restrained. He remembered nothing of what had happened, except that he had had a strange dream where an unseen voice had called for him to follow through winding corridors.

When Sigerith was informed of this, he ordered that the fleet would row day and night, and to watch over anyone who fell asleep. And yet, many continued to disappear at night, lowering themselves over the side and silently sinking into the depths. All rowed with a wild fury, knowing that the must get out of the sea they were trapped in.

Now, exhausted from ceaseless rowing, the exiles heard the whispers day and night as they nodded off at the oars. Sigerith ordered his commanders to tie the rowers to their oars, and post a guard over the women and children. For how long the rowed, none could say, but they rowed even after most had no strength to go on, but still they rowed. Then, at last, a breeze rose up and soon their was a wind. The oars were stowed and a sail raised and now they sailed on a rolling sea. While a few stayed awake to keep the boats on course, the rest slept deeply and soundly, and no whispers came.

 

[Esplandia]

Amelia arrived in Tajis to dignitaries, heads of state, and cheering crowds. Many were there to greet her. She was not here on any official visit, but it was obvious the Tajin government was going to treat her arrival as if it was a state visit.

President Anaukshai was the first to greet her. 'The nation of Tajis welcomes you, Your Higness,' he said. His smiled fiercely, his high cheeks stretching as his lips curled up. She curtsied in response and after he took her hand and placed a kiss upon her knuckles.

He was a thin man, wiry but well groomed. His red-brown hair was cut shoulder length and his beard was trimmed to a fine point. He wore a simple grey suit, but under neath was a frilly white undershirt, and around his neck he wore a dyed silk scarf in the Tajin fashion.

'This is my good friend, Bethany Gent of Caltor,' Amelia said introducing her traveling companion. Bethany was a tall voluptuous girl, with dark olive skin and straight dark hair. While Amelia wore a traditional court dress with a light waistcoat, Bethany wore a revealing sundress. It was a dark Burgundy color, and cut very low by Esplandian standards.

The president kissed her hand as well, but his gaze shifted across the girls figure, lingering much longer than propriety allowed. Afterwards other Tajin leaders came forward and greeted the princess and the daughter of the Count of Caltor. Following the meet and greet they were whisked away to the royal estate, north of the city. Even after their motorcade left Serzulem, people still lined the street, waving Esplandian and Tajin flags.

At the estate, Amelia and Bethany were treated to a lavish feast, followed by live music and acrobats performing tricks amongst the rafters of the grand hall. Amelia drank many vintages of Tajin wine. The best were the Ascontinian reds, and she savored the taste knowing it would be at least ten years before that province would be producing wine again.

She didn't know how late it was, the drinks having gone to her head, when a man gently grasped her arm and said, 'I think it is your bedtime, princess.' She looked up to see Bethany's father, Count Baelag Gent special envoy to Tajis, smiling at her. He was unlike his daughter. He was short and stalky, with a bald head and short trimmed beard.

'I suppose it is,' she answered and looked around. 'Where's Bethany?'

'Already being dragged to your room,' the count answered. 'She's lucky I don't send her home, what with that dress she's wearing.' The count lead Amelia to her room and wished her a pleasant night as he left. Bethany was already fast asleep and Amelia quickly followed.

The next day the two girls spent the morning walking the estate grounds with Reynard and his son Amalric, a boy of thirteen. Reynard spent most of the time speaking of his respect for Esplandia and Amelia's father. They had a light lunch amongst one of the estates vegetable gardens. Their was cold soups, iced teas sweetened with agave and honey, and Esplandian cheeses as well as seasoned lamb and goat rolled into flatbread.

After the meal Reynard bid his farewells as he had to go into Serzulem. They played a ring toss game called Ulglets with Amalric until noon, and then the two girls were driven into the city. Baelag provided an escort of Esplandian soldiers dressed in loose fitting Tajin clothes to accompany them. They spent most the day wandering the busier streets of the lower city, following the river front or the old market road.

Everywhere the looked people were selling wares. There were fruits and vegetables, meats, desserts, flowers, exotic spices, art, cookware, tapestries, and colorful apparel. Both Amelia and Bethany bought a Tajin Mionaekdress. A Mionaek is made of a single piece of fabric, usually silk or satin, that is belted around the waste, with one end wrapped around the torso and draped over a single shoulder and down the back. The other end is split in such a way that when belted forms a loose flowing skirt. They had to have the shop lady show them how to wear the dress.

They had dinner upon a riverboat that went up the river from the fish market to the Tower of the Allfather. The tower stood over the river, the Grand Temple looming behind along the bank. While the tower is only six stories tall, it's imposing construction of red and black bricks is awe inspiring, and it's carvings of Erujakir buttressing out from the towers crown are magnificent. Avalus herself stands guard over the river, facing northwest.

They returned to the estate after sunset and spent a couple hours in their room reading some of the books they had purchased in Serzulem. The next day they flew by helicopter to Askyrre, over fields of barley and rye, and sprawling orchards. They were set up in the personnel mansion of the president's brother, Rycho Anaukshai, which looked out over the glass smooth waters of Mirror Bay.

Rycho is the governor of Selonid province, and running for president against his brother. When the two girls arrived he was at the city council so was unable to greet them. The were met though by Sybilla Hakon, the Kadaeva of Tajis. She was the last living descendant of the old Serzulem royalty.

The ate lunch on a veranda looking out at the bay. Sybilla was a pleasant and well versed conversationalist. Amelia hounded her for details on her search for the Spear of Avalus. Sybilla regained her with a tale that likely would have been unimpressive, but the way she described things brought it to life. Sybilla in turn asked Amelia about her recent adventures, and wondered how her brother was doing.

Eventually the manor began to fill up with guests. Rycho was holding a banquet to raise funds for his campaign. This party though was far more exciting then the one they had attended in Serzulem. The crowed was younger, the music more uptempo, and there was dancing. Amelia and Bethany were both wearing their Mionaeks and getting complements from the Tajins.

Amelia was swarmed by single young men, each trying to strike up conversation with her, and soon she was being overwhelmed. Then Rycho came to her rescue and took her out on the floor to dance. He was the spitting image of Reynard, though he was a day younger. Rycho had his hair tied back in a bun at the back of his skull, and his beard was trimmed into double points.

'I hope your visit to Tajis is enjoyable so far,' he said. She assured him it was. A number of times other men attempted to cut in, but Rycho laughed them off. As the music stopped Sybilla arrived and whisked Amelia away out a back door. Bethany was likewise being swarmed by the young men but she was enjoying every bit of attention.

Sybilla lead Amelia away to a small tower with large glass windows and a glass dome ceiling on the side of the mansion. 'This is the star room,' the Kadaeva explained. The tower looked away from the city out onto the bay which was reflecting the night sky. There was no horizon where sky and water met and it was like looking out into space itself.

Sybilla and Amelia shared dessert, cold sweet cream drizzled over fresh fruits (peaches, apricots, and strawberries). At some point Amelia fell asleep. She woke up as the sun rose and filled the tower with light. She had been laid out on a cushioned couch, a blanket drawn over her. Sybilla was asleep on another couch in the star room. As Amelia woke and sat up, Sybilla came awake as well.

They ate breakfast on the same veranda as the day before. They ate fried eggs and sausage, with cranberry sauce and cold goats milk. Bethany joined them an hour later. She hadn't even noticed that Amelia had never come to bed. After breakfast Amelia and Bethany left the mansion with Sybilla. They took a horse carriage into the old city.

Old Askyrre sits on a promontory stretching out into the Madegalaget lake, it's ancient walls still mostly intact. No cars are allowed in the old city so horse drawn carriages are the rule. At the center of the city is the Dragon Summit, an old stone fortress on top of the highest point in the city. Within the fortress courtyard is a deep hole called the pit where the old Askyrrean Kings once tossed their political prisoners. The pit is three hundred feet deep.

They pulled up inside the courtyard and Sybilla led the two girls to the edge of the pit. It was deep and dark, and a cool breeze seemed to come out of the hole. 'This is where the Selonid King Gazmugel put Avalus after capturing her. She spent three years in the pit.' Sybilla explained. 'Do you want to go down?'

Of course they did. A metal lift had been fitted over the hole, and they were lowered down by the operator. They were each given an LED lantern which lit up the pit quite well. At the bottom the hole opened up into a low room with stone pillars spaced out every couple feet. The room had a number of tunnels leading off down long halls. Sybilla lead them down one specific hall.

The hallway lead off to cells carved into the rock, each room little bigger than a midsize car. There were no bars, no gates, no guard posts. None were needed. The pit had only one way in or out. At the very end of the hall Sybilla lead them into a cell on the right. The three of them had to stand pressed against each other to fit into the room.

There were no markings, no symbols, to differentiate this cell from any other yet Amelia could feel a calming presence emanating from the walls and floor and ceiling. 'This was her cell,' Sybilla said solemnly. 'Here is where Avalus spent her days until she was rescued by her son.'

After that they were all quiet, only the sounds of their breathes audible. They stood in the room and felt the presence of Avalus wash over them. Time passed and they retraced their steps back to the lift. 'Few are allowed down here. Rycho convinced the church to allow you to visit,' Sybilla told the girls as they rose from the hole.

Afterwards they ate a lunch of tomato soup and sourdough bread at a cafe looking out at the Madegalaget lake, then they walked about the city. Askyrre was an old city and most of its buildings were ancient. There were no skyscrapers or shopping centers in the old city. The architecture ranged from Selonid to Serzulite to Hastfradic to Askyrrean. Each subsequent culture adding to the look of the city.

The next step off their journey would take them by boat across the Madegalaget to the city of Tahyrre. As the sun set they boarded their ship. Sybilla bid them farewell and wished them a safe journey. The ship set out onto the lake. They dined with the captain on steamed clams and shrimp, as well as baked potatoes and crabmeat, washed down with the tart wines of the Upper Shinai.

The journey was leisurely, the boat in no hurry. Amelia slept soundly as they made there way south. The ship sailed into the harbor of Tahyre in the early morning. They had breakfast on the ship before departing. Amelia and Bethany did not linger in the city. Their destination was a hill two miles south of the city. A car was waiting for hem, courtesy of Bethany's father.

They were driven to the hill, a rocky volcanic outcropping of the Shinai crags that stood seventeen miles from the next nearest crag. They got out of the car and a waiting guide lead them up a trail that followed the craggy cliff face, winding its way towards the top. The path was well traveled, the rock worn smooth by passing feet. The path then entered a natural vale between two cliffs and here there was a cave. This was their destination.

'This is the cave of names,' the guide explained. 'Hundreds of thousands of names have been written into the walls of this cave over the centuries. After fleeing Askyrre, Avalaus and Bregga and their three companions were trapped up here by Askyrean troops. The narrow path allowed them to hold off over a thousand men for ten days until a great rainstorm came and covered their escape as they climbed down the cliff to safety.'

Amelia took a chance to look over the cliff. It was a shear drop five hundred feet down to the base of the crag. The guide lead them to the cave. She presented both girls with a stick of charcoal. 'Write your name on the wall,' she told them. They both entered the cave. It was a good size cavern, it's walls a light gray. Across the walls names were scribbled and written, some large some small. Bethany quickly found a place and wrote her name.

Amelia took her time, looking at the names. There were many languages present, some from places far away, others that were no longer spoken by anyone living. The names of Avalus and Bregga were on the left wall of the cave, and below them were the names of their companions. She saw the name of Henry the Lion and his eldest son.

She was looking for one particular name. It took her a few minutes, but she found it written in large letters on the back wall. Catheryn Amelia Elena Hambleton de Dracosta.

When the name had been put there, she would have been only a little older than Amelia. The woman who would be the second Esplandian Queen. Amelia's grandmother. It had been a half a year since her passing. Amelia missed her grandmother. Amelia studied the name, the shape of the letters, the spacing of the words. Tears creeped into the corner of her eyes, but she didn't cry. She waited for the tears to dry, then taking the piece of charcoal she wrote underneath: Amelia Catheryn Agnieshka Rhodes de Dracosta before leaving the cave.